POLLINOS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF SMALL BUSINESSES

Drew Annable, Lily Griffiths, and Joey Sofia

On the corner of E 22nd Street, and Hyatt Street in Chester, PA,  Sam, and Kyla Pollino operate a local business that opened on November 2, 2020, during the peak of the pandemic. Despite working long hours at the store, Sam and Kyla enjoy every minute spent at the shop. Pollino's has grown despite the pandemic. The store has thrived under the rough conditions, a tribute to their hard work and dedication. 

At Pollino’s, it is a pleasure to visit with the owners of the store because they are very polite as well as helpful. Inside this restaurant, visitors experience the feeling of a family cookout, without the overcooked meat. The owners have done an excellent job creating an inviting environment; it truly is like a family gathering.  

 Besides the excellent food, there is a large fire pit, as well as many games and activities visitors could play with friends; namely, cornhole, ability jam (a game of strategy), as well as firepit games. Whether customers are visiting with family or just out with a group of friends, Pollinos is excellent choice for spending an evening, an weekend afternoon, or spare time between classes.    

Small businesses are vital to a town's economy and the citizens who reside in the cities. Inside Chester specifically, after the factories left as well as during the COVID- 19 pandemic, it made it especially difficult for local businesses to stay open. Instead, in many communities, large chain stores open in their place. These local businesses help the economy because it keeps the business within the bounds of the town/city, which allows the money to circulate. When large chain stores overtake small businesses, the economy can suffer. In The United States, over 50 percent of employees are employed at local or family-owned businesses. Local businesses supply jobs and keep money flowing through the community, thereby keeping a healthy, sustainable economy. Through local businesses, work isn't outsourced as often as at chain businesses, meaning much more money stays within the local economy.  

The community of Chester has the potential to rebuild to its former glory. The Philadelphia Union’s success, waterfront revival project, and Harrah’s Casino will continue to get more interest. Still, it is up to the core businesses, like Pollino’s, to keep the crowd captive. The family businesses are what got Chester through their recessive period, but they are also what will help to put Chester back on the map, throughout its current renaissance and beyond. The Widener community can help by spending its dollars at Pollino’s—and enjoy good food and have fun at the same time